Ask Me Help Desk - J-pipe issues

j-pipe issues

I just finished installing a new sink today and successfully connected the j-pipe and all was well.

As I was trying to put the shelf back, I bumped the j-pipe and knocked something loose, and now I can't seem to get it back on the pipe to the wall without a leak. I've tried probably 50 times, to no avail. What sort of things should I be looking for/doing in order to get this pipe on securely?

The pipe from the wall is metal (older) and the j-pipe is PVC. I know it fits and all of that, because it was perfect earlier. I just wonder if I don't have it far up/ far down enough or if I need to have it at a specific angle, or what.

A PVC "J" bend is made for a PVC trap tail not a chrome one. Go back and purchase the correct chrome "J" bend and watch your leak go bye-bye. Good luck, Tom

Hellsbelles:

I know you had it so it didn't leak for awhile... but Tom is SPOT ON telling you to go get the metal j-bend for the metal arm.

You got lucky... probably won't happen again so I just wanted to pop in to assure you that the best way to put this one to bed forever is to do exactly what Tom suggested. Good luck with it.

Mark

.

Quote:

Originally Posted by massplumber2008

Hellsbelles:

I know you had it so it didn't leak for awhile....but Tom is SPOT ON telling you to go get the metal j-bend for the metal arm.

You got lucky...probably won't happen again so I just wanted to pop in to assure you that the best way to put this one to bed forever is to do exactly what Tom suggested. Good luck with it.

Mark

.

I know you probably don't believe me, but this was the setup when we bought the house (chrome pipe from the wall, pvc pipe from the sink drain), and it's worked fine for at least 4 years. No leaks or anything like that. A couple of months ago I had to remove both pipes in order to get a cable auger in there to clean out a major clog, and I was able to reattach them just fine.

I will continue to work on it a bit this morning, and if I still can't get it, I will definitely get out and get a chrome j-pipe. Do they sell them in various sizes? The j-pipe we currently have is a flexible one. Also, the pipe running from the sink drain is pvc... will that be a problem attaching it to a chrome j-pipe?

Thanks for your help! :)

1 Attachment(s)

Oh NO!

We believe you given that information! Could the nut have cracked a bit when you hit it?

I can't tell you much but to do what you suggested... keep working on it.

They do not make flexible j-bends but they do make 1 1/2" flexible tailpieces (see pic.)... so may need to combine both of these to get this fit together again.

The plastic tailpiece from the sink to the metal j-bend is fine!

Keep us posted... MARK

Can I just replace the chrome tail pipe with a PVC one? If not, how does that pipe that you showed me fit into the system? Is it chrome pipe, that pipe, chrome j-pipe, and then pipe from the sink drain or some other order?

I doubt the nut cracked when I hit it (it was a very soft little nudge, and I've checked for cracks, splits, etc.), but maybe I could get another plastic washer and nut or something like that?

You guys are helping me save my sanity (and probably my marriage, lol). After all that I've done (replaced old sink, installed new fixtures, hooked up the lines, made about 6 trips to the hardware store), my husband will be so upset if we have to call in a plumber for this one little thing! I appreciate it greatly!

Hi:

That pipe I showed you in last post is a FLEXIBLE extension tailpiece. It connects onto the tailpiece coming off the sink strainer (plastic or metal).

You mentioned that your plastic j-bend had a flexible neck... so I posted the flexible extension as a way to allow you that flexibility while still being able to purchase a non-flexible metal j-bend.

Sorry this is so complicated. Are you sure you put the washer back in the correct place..? If questionable.. then try the washer on the top, then on the bottom of connection between dissimilar materials.

Keep us posted! '

Mark

Ok, so if I have this straight, I will buy a pipe like you showed and attach it to the pipe coming from the sink strainer, then attach that to a metal j-bend, and then attach the metal j-bend to the metal pipe coming from the wall. Do I have it right?

Exactly! :)

That should resolve this... Be sure all are 1.5".. ok?

And you may want to get small can of pipe dope to lubricate the seal and threads of joints of metal j-bend!

Good luck!

Quote:

Originally Posted by massplumber2008

Exactly!! :)

That should resolve this....Be sure all are 1.5"..ok?

And you may want to get small can of pipe dope to lubricate the seal and threads of joints of metal j-bend!!

Good luck!

I bow at your awesomeness, massplumber2008! I will post pictures when I (hopefully) succeed at this.

Pipe dope... heh... I'll tell my husband I'm going to the store to buy some pipe and dope and see if he cracks a smile. :p

Yes.. I was hoping you would not think I was calling you a PIPE DOPE! ;)

*crossing fingers*

Good luck!

OK, I think I got it! I ended up buying a PVC pipe to replace my chrome one, and then attached the J-bend to that and to the tailpiece and everything seems to be working just fine!

Good thing... or I was not going to sleep well tonight!

Glad you're up and running. Sounds like you did a great job across the board!

Let us know if we can help in future!

Mark

Quote:

Originally Posted by massplumber2008

Good thing...or I was not going to sleep well tonight!!

Oh, please don't go that far! I've lost enough sleep for the both of us over the past few nights. ;)

I certainly appreciate all of your help.

Seriously.. glad all resolved!

Anytime... Mark